SKIP NEWS
Scott Bros expands wash plant operation to meet huge demand for sharp sand
SCOTT BROS is extending the operating hours of its ‘urban quarry’ to meet a huge rise in demand for sharp sand.
The family-run firm has already created an extra job as it ramps up production of its £1m state-of-the-art wash plant which converts construction and excavation waste into high quality sand and aggregate.
The demand is driven by an upswing in construction and has prompted Stockton- based Scott Bros to extend the plant’s normal weekday operation to include Saturdays.
Director Peter Scott said: “The demand for sharp sand continues to rise. During lockdown we built up a decent stockpile but that’s long gone, and we now have the situation where wagons are queuing to load up as soon as the sand has been processed.
“We have created one new job so that we can operate on Saturdays, but more may follow. The wash plant produces 100 tonnes of sharp sand a day and we can’t produce
enough of it, which is an encouraging sign for the local economy.”
The demand is being fuelled by the reopening of construction projects, in particular house building, as well as groundwork projects, including landscaping and block paving.
Scott Bros is currently in the process of seeking planning permission to invest £3m in installing a second and much larger wash plant off John Boyle Road, South Bank – next to the former British Steel site.
It is estimated that this could create a further 11 jobs and secure the future of the firm’s 120-strong workforce. The current wash plant processes 50 tonnes of inert material per hour, while the proposed second plant is capable of processing 150 tonnes per hour.
Peter Scott added: “Our investment in the initial wash plant more than demonstrates the strong market for commercially viable and environmentally sustainable products, including sharp sand.
“We are pleased to contribute to this region’s circular economy, ensuring we use our resources more wisely, and hopefully we can expand our capabilities even more in future.”
Peter Scott at the firm's £1m wash plant
The Shred Centre acquires Shred Base to fuel North East expansion
THE Shred Centre has acquired fellow independent shredding firm Shred Base as it continues to grow its client numbers across the North East.
The deal for the company, based in Lanchester, was agreed for an undisclosed sum and retains its existing workforce. Its 200 clients have been transferred to The Shred Centre, which has taken over responsibility for all contracts and equipment, including sacks, bins and confidential paper disposal containers.
In addition, operations have now been moved to The Shred Centre’s headquarters near Spennymoor.
Shred Base was founded by Andrew Gibson and his son Thomas in 2018 to provide both on and off-site shredding services throughout the region.
However, it suffered a sudden fall in demand during lockdown as schools closed and many businesses and organisations began working from home.
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Due to the uncertainty, the father-and-son team began talks with The Shred Centre over a possible takeover to ensure its customers would continue to receive a high standard of service.
Patrick Stephens, founder and managing director of The Shred Centre, said that the business was a considerable asset – having maintained all its contracts over the last two years through its strong reputation for customer service.
He said: “We are delighted to incorporate Shred Base into our business and I wish to welcome all their customers onboard
and to assure them they will continue to receive the same high standards of service and security they have come to expect.
Thomas Gibson, Shred Base’s commercial manager, said: “We have always had a great working relationship with Patrick, despite being competitors, and he was the first person we approached once we decided to sell the business.
“As a family concern, we wanted to find a solution to the ongoing uncertainty as well as ensuring our customers continue to be well looked after.”
Patrick Stephens (left) with Thomas Gibson (right)
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